Black history month coming to the Capitol Theatre

February 2014 Black History Month activities comes from a collaborative formed in 2013 between the St. Clair College Capitol Theatre in Chatham, Buxton National Historic Site & Museum, Ontario Heritage Trust representing Uncle Tom’s Cabin and the Chatham-Kent Black Mecca Museum.

This will be the second year that the four partner groups have come together to present a series of activities highlighting the strong black history in our area and beyond. Details, images and links can be found on our website at www.ckblackhistorymonth.com.

There are two opportunities in February for schools to see a fantastic theatre piece at the St. Clair College Capitol Theatre.

Beneath Springhill: The Maurice Ruddick Story

A performance for students in Grade 5 and up. Wednesday, February 12, at 10 a.m. St. Clair College Capitol Theatre Tickets $3 for students/parents. Teachers & EA’s are complimentary.

Presented by Buxton National Historic Site & Museum in partnership with Citizenship and Immigration Canada and Firebrand Theatre.

This 40-minute musical chronicles the life of Maurice Ruddick, an African Canadian who survived the historic mining disaster in Springhill, Nova Scotia in 1958. Ruddick was awarded Citizen of the Year for saving the lives of his fellow workers. The play is followed by a Q & A.

One Noble Journey: A Box Marked Freedom 

Monday, February 24, at 12 p.m. A performance for students in Grade 3 and up. St. Clair College Capitol Theatre Tickets $5 for students/parents. Teachers and EA’s are complimentary.

This 50-minute play tells the true story about Henry “Box” Brown, an African American who was born a slave in 1816 in Virginia. He devised an escape plan that would have him sealed in a small wooden box and shipped to friends and to freedom in Philadelphia. The play is followed by a Q & A.

Also available for viewing in the lobby of the St. Clair College Capitol Theatre, is an exhibit of stained glass pieces by local artist Jacquelyn Prince Kennedy.

Fragments – A Visual Arts Exhibition by Jacquelyn Prince Kennedy

From February 1 until February 28  1 p.m. to 5 p.m. daily in the lobby of the St. Clair College Capitol Theatre.

This visual arts exhibition will highlight the work of local stained glass artist Jacquelyn Prince Kennedy.

“The beautiful but rigid art of soldering stained glass patterned pieces fell away to a more interpretive approach.  There is no pattern, no right way or wrong way;  and there is an excitement to see the final result.  It may not be what I expected, but somehow it works.  It always proves to be a creative evolving process.” - Jacquelyn Prince Kennedy.

An artist reception will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Friday, February 28, in the lobby of the Capitol Theatre.

For more information about these activities or any of the other events during Black History Month, contact the St. Clair College Capitol Theatre at 519-380-0174 or visit the website at: www.ckblackhistorymonth.com.